Maybe I would

Big Reveal! Striped Maxi Dress

Okay, it’s not really a big reveal or even a reveal at all. And it’s not a maxi dress either because it’s above my ankles. Still, it’s finished and it made its maiden voyage to brunch this morning. (Which wasn’t really brunch, for that matter but a late pancake breakfast.)

I found a light red suede belt at Second Time Around which is a second hand store I like pretty well. It’s big enough and varied enough that I can usually find something I like in my size.

I don’t actually live in the jungle.

I did a lot to modify this thing. Before I even cut it out, I shortened the torso an inch–partly at the midsection and partly at the sleeve cap.

I shortened the skirt a good 5 inches, maybe more. Then lopped off a few more inches and pegged the hem about an inch on each side.

The back neck gaped badly and I took that in a solid 2 inches plus. The front neck could have used some narrowing too, but it’s sitting comfortably enough.

What else? The hips could have come in a bit, but maybe next time.

But let me tell you about the buttons!

I found seven tiny flat mother-of-pearl buttons in my button box. The back of the buttons have a neat pebbly texture and a cream and rusty coloring–far more interesting than the polished side so I just sewed them on upside down.

The top button is rogue with the shiny side up.

Here’s a detail of the zig zag topstitching I did at the hems. It was neater before the thing went in the wash this morning.

I’m pretty happy with it, wonky pocket stitching not withstanding. It’s really comfortable and I think it’s going to be a great traveling dress for hours in the car.